There’s a quiet kind of magic in sensory play—the joy of squishing, shaping, and exploring textures that both soothe and stimulate. This Cornstarch and Dish Soap Bubble Dough is one of those little miracles: easy to make, irresistibly soft, and packed with potential for hands-on discovery.
Whether you’re a parent looking for a rainy day activity or an educator planning a tactile station, this simple two-ingredient dough is a guaranteed hit. And if you love simple, engaging sensory recipes like this, don’t forget to subscribe to get them delivered straight to your inbox!
What Is Bubble Dough?
Bubble dough is a soft, moldable sensory material made from just cornstarch and dish soap—and yes, it smells as clean and fresh as it sounds! It’s not just satisfying to play with—it’s also incredibly versatile. Kids can mold it, squeeze it, stretch it, and even scent or color it for more fun.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Made with kitchen staples – no special ingredients required!
- Incredibly soft and moldable – perfect for tiny hands and imaginative minds.
- Customizable – add color, glitter, scents, or even small surprises inside.
- Fast and mess-friendly – quick clean-up with just warm water.
What It Feels Like
Imagine the silky smooth texture of play dough crossed with the stretch of slime and the moldability of moon sand. That’s bubble dough. It’s light, fluffy, and slightly squishy—like a clean-scented cloud in your hands.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 cup cornstarch
- ½ cup liquid dish soap
- Optional: food coloring
- Optional: glitter or small sensory add-ins
Supplies You’ll Need
- Medium mixing bowl
- Spoon or spatula (though hands are encouraged!)
- Measuring cups
- Airtight container (for storage)
Optional Additions
- Food coloring – Swirls of color add visual appeal.
- Glitter – For a magical sparkle (supervision recommended).
- Scented oils – Lavender or citrus adds a calming or energizing scent.
- Small objects – Beads, buttons, or toys to hide and discover inside the dough.
How to Make Cornstarch and Dish Soap Bubble Dough
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Set Up Your Workspace:
Grab a medium bowl and lay out all your ingredients. - Combine the Dry Base:
Pour 1 cup of cornstarch into your bowl. - Add the Dish Soap:
Slowly add ½ cup of liquid dish soap to the cornstarch. - Mix It Up:
Stir with a spoon or dive in with your hands to combine. It will start crumbly, then come together into a dough. - Adjust Texture as Needed:
Too dry? Add more dish soap, a tablespoon at a time. Too sticky? Sprinkle in extra cornstarch. - Add Fun Elements:
Now’s the time to mix in food coloring, glitter, or scent for a custom dough experience. - Play Immediately:
Once the dough is smooth and stretchy, it’s ready to go! - Store the Rest:
Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 3–4 days.
Tips for Perfect Dough Every Time
- Use a gentle dish soap with a pleasant scent for an added sensory layer.
- Work it with your hands for the best texture.
- Keep extra cornstarch nearby for quick fixes if the dough gets too sticky.
Storage & Cleanup
- Store in a sealed container for up to 4 days.
- To clean up, simply rinse tools and hands with warm water—no scrubbing required.
FAQs
Can I use any dish soap?
Yes! Clear or lightly colored soaps work best if you plan to add food coloring.
Is it safe for toddlers?
Yes, with supervision. While it’s non-toxic, it’s not meant to be eaten.
Can I freeze or refrigerate it?
Room temperature storage works best. Cold can affect the texture.
Conclusion
Cornstarch and Dish Soap Bubble Dough is more than just a craft—it’s a sensory celebration. Quick to make, endlessly fun to play with, and so easy to customize, it’s one of those little projects that brings big smiles and big creativity.
Love This Kind of Play?
If sensory play is your jam, you’ll adore:
- Sugar Water Paintings
- Rainbow Sugar Explosions
- Salt Dough Fossil Prints
Share Your Creations!
Tried this recipe? I want to see your bubble dough magic!
Share photos on Pinterest, leave a comment with your favorite add-ins, and don’t forget to subscribe for more sensory fun and easy DIY recipes.
Would you like this formatted into a printable sensory play card or classroom handout? I’d be happy to help!
